Virginia Crane Accidents Lawyer
Cranes are commonly used on construction sites and in retail to reach objects at great heights. When operated properly, cranes can be immensely helpful. For this reason, only qualified workers are usually allowed to operate cranes. Unfortunately, due to their large sizes, crane accidents can be devastating, and in many cases, deadly.
If you were injured in a crane accident or your loved one died in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Crane accidents can change your life for the worse, even those that seem relatively minor. Luckily, a skilled Virginia crane accidents lawyer may be able to assist you. Get in touch with a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney today.
Basic Facts About Crane Accidents
Crane accidents are relatively common, and unfortunately, some accidents result in death or permanent injury. The vast majority of crane fatalities are caused by loads dropping on workers, crane collapse, and electrocution. Construction workers are at the highest risk of dying in crane accidents, followed by retail and industrial workers.
Fortunately, companies can take steps to prevent serious crane accidents. Employers are morally and legally obligated to ensure the safety of their workers to some degree, and if they do not do this, they can be held liable. According to OSHA, employers can promote crane safety by:
- Performing regular maintenance on cranes
- Providing employees with appropriate safety equipment
- Only allowing cranes to be operated by qualified workers
- Only using cranes on a level, secure site
- Checking the stability of each load
By taking the simple measures listed above, employers and construction site managers can keep employees safe.
The Role of OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency that oversees the safety of workers across the country. OSHA is responsible for drafting regulations and rules to ensure the safety of all workers, and its laws pertain to almost every type of work performed. When a person is killed in a crane accident, often, it is the result of a violation of OSHA regulations. If a company violates OSHA regulations, and an employee is injured as a result, OSHA may take disciplinary action against their employer and help assemble the personal injury or wrongful death case against the employer.
OSHA often sites construction companies for violating regulations relating to hazard communications, scaffolding, fall protection, electricity, and of course, cranes. OSHA violations are severe, and any company that violates them will usually be punished to some degree.
Workers Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
After sustaining a crane injury, many workers must decide between filing for workers’ compensation or bringing a lawsuit against their employer. Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that provides injured employees with a portion of their average salary if they are injured on the job and unable to work. Once the employee recovers, their benefits will cease. An employee can file for workers’ compensation even if the injury is their fault.
Lawsuits are typically filed in cases involving gross employer negligence or malfunctioning equipment. If an employee chooses to file a lawsuit with the help of a Virginia crane accidents lawyer, they may be able to obtain compensation for their pain and suffering, living expenses, medical bills, and lost wages.
Consult with a Virginia Crane Accidents Attorney Today
Crane accidents occur in many industries, and they can leave employees permanently injured. Such injuries often result in astronomical medical bills and lost wages, which can quickly drain a family of its finances. Without a way to earn income, most workers will have to rely on workers’ compensation to cover their expenses.
Call a Virginia crane accidents lawyer today if you wish to discuss your accident in detail.
